State of Oklahoma, Choctaw Nation Agree on Hunting, Fishing Compact

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton have signed a hunting and fishing compact, which will allow the tribe to buy hunting and fishing licenses at a bulk rate.

The agreement grants the Choctaw Nation the ability to purchase at least 50,000 annual hunting and fishing licenses at $2 apiece for its resident citizens. In addition, the Choctaw Nation will pay a lump sum of $200,000 and an administrative cost payment of $75,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) each year that the three-year compact is in effect.

The compact takes effect January 1, 2017, and runs through December 31, 2019.

Under the compact, the Choctaw Nation will annually purchase at least 50,000 hunting and fishing licenses from the ODWC for all Oklahoma-based Choctaw citizens between the ages of 16 and 64. The hunting and fishing licenses issued through the compact will generate additional federal matching funds for Oklahoma's wildlife conservation efforts.

The Choctaw Nation compact licenses issued to the Choctaw Nation citizens will include the same annual hunting and fishing privileges that the sportsmen and -women of Oklahoma can currently purchase. All ODWC rules and regulations apply.

“This is another example of the state of Oklahoma and tribal nations working together,” said Fallin. “This compact is mutually beneficial for the state of Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation. The large sale of these hunting and fishing licenses will generate revenue for conservation efforts as well as ensure that more Oklahomans are following the standard rules and regulations associated with these licenses. In return, the Choctaw Nation receives a discount for the licenses it purchases.”

“This compact provides the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation with additional funds for wildlife conservation through federal grants and ensures the Choctaw Nation will adopt the state season lengths and bag limits on their trust lands,” said ODWC Director Richard Hatcher

Batton said, "This agreement was very important to me because it helps sustain our traditional ways of life and hopefully encourages our children to be hunters and providers for their family in the future."

Hatcher and Batton also signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing that the Choctaw Nation will maintain the Wildlife Department-owned Lake Nanih Waiya, which is a place of historical significance to the Choctaw Nation. The ODWC may provide training and guidance as well as communicate with the nation regarding any major improvements. The ODWC also continues to have sole responsibility of managing wildlife conservation efforts around the lake.

“We look forward to additional, mutually beneficial, cooperative agreements with the Choctaw Nation,” Hatcher said.

The agreement covers the same time period as the compact, from January 1, 2017, until Dec. 31, 2019.

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Paperwork Placing Five Additional State Questions on November Ballot

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin signed election proclamations Monday that place five additional state questions on the November 8 general election ballot.

The paperwork signed by the governor placed these issues on the ballot:

• State Question (SQ) 779, which would increase the state sales tax by 1 percent to fund teacher pay raises and other education causes.

• SQ 780, which reclassifies some criminal offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes, as misdemeanors instead of felonies.

• SQ 781, which would take money saved from implementing SQ 780 and allow counties to fund community rehabilitation programs.

• SQ 790, which would remove a section of the Oklahoma Constitution prohibiting use of state resources for religious purposes.  

• SQ 792, which would allow wine and full-strength beer to be sold in grocery stores and convenience stores.

The deadline for the governor to sign election proclamations for state questions to be placed on the November 8 general election ballot is Friday.

Two other state questions already are on the ballot. SQ 776 would declare that the death penalty is not cruel or unusual punishment and would allow the Legislature to designate any method of execution if a current method is declared unconstitutional. SQ 777 would prevent lawmakers from passing legislation to regulate agriculture unless there is a compelling state interest.

Senate approves ‘Stolen Valor’ legislation

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The full Senate approved a measure by Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Representative James Leewright that is aimed at ending the practice of “stolen valor.”  The bill was approved 44 to 2.

House Bill 2450, by Bingman and Leewright, increases the fine for an act of “stolen valor,” which involves impersonating a member of the Armed Forces by wearing any decoration or medals awarded to members of the Armed Forces. The fine would be increased from $100 to $1,000 under HB 2450.

“‘Stolen valor’ is a serious offense and is demeaning to those who have served and those who are serving in the military. Increasing the fine for impersonating a veteran should discourage anyone from engaging in this despicable practice. This measure helps protect the integrity and honor that comes with serving in our nation’s Armed Forces. We value that service, our veterans and their families and this measure is one way we can express our gratitude to them,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

The Senate leader noted it was just a week ago that lawmakers met in a special joint session to honor the 45th Infantry and the Oklahoma National Guard.

“Medals were awarded to men and women who exemplify the courage, dedication, patriotism and professionalism that is a hallmark of those who wear a uniform,” Bingman said.  “Those who fraudulently display those medals and decorations will face even stronger penalties once this legislation becomes law.”

Leewright thanked the Senate for their support of the measure.

“It’s incredibly important that we protect the legacy of our veterans from misuse.  I appreciate the bipartisan support this bill has received and look forward to it being signed into law,” said Leewright, R-Bristow.

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.

Governor signs bill to boost tourism throughout the state

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation was signed into law this week to promote growth in Oklahoma’s third largest industry, tourism. Senate Bill 1206, by Senator Eddie Fields and Representative Gary Banz, authorizes the creation of an additional class of improvement districts within municipalities for tourism purposes including providing marketing services for public or private events, if those events can be reasonably expected to increase occupancy at a hotel or motel within the district. 

Fields explained that Improvement Districts have been a key tool for Oklahoma’s cities and neighborhoods to invest in critical improvements. Instead of a broad tax impacting everyone in a city, Improvement Districts allow those who benefit the most to assess themselves to pay for improvements.

“More and more cities across the country are turning to Improvement Districts as a tool to boost their tourism efforts and attract visitors and events to their community,” said Fields, R-Wynona. “Without this type of tool, cities and towns in Oklahoma will increasingly lose out on large events, conferences and tourists, which means lost sales tax for both the state and local communities as well as lost jobs in the tourism, restaurant, hotel and entertainment industries.”

There are currently more than 123 cities in Texas, Montana, Kansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, California, Washington, Oregon, Iowa and Pennsylvania that have used Improvement Districts to invest in their tourism industry and strengthen their local economies, raising over $230 million for destination marketing each year.

The bill had the support of numerous tourism, hotel and marketing associations including the Metro Tulsa Hotel and Lodging Association as well as community welcome centers from around the state, chambers of commerce and other business entities.

The new law will go into effect November 1, 2016.

Full Senate approves proposed state question on repealing Oklahoma’s Blaine Amendment

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The full Senate has approved legislation allowing Oklahoma voters to decide whether to repeal Article II, Section 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution, known as the “Blaine Amendment,” forbidding the use of public monies or property for sectarian or religious purposes. It was cited by the majority of the Oklahoma Supreme Courting in a 2015 ruling that forced the removal of a Ten Commandments Monument from the grounds of the Capitol. 

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 Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, is the author of Senate Joint Resolution 72.

“The Blaine amendment represented an effort to suppress Catholic education while allowing state funding of protestant-oriented schools. Many Oklahomans felt the amendment never should have applied to the Ten Commandments Monument case, and have expressed dismay such a discriminatory provision was still in our constitution,” Standridge said. “This measure will give the final say to the citizens of our state.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman praised Monday’s 39 to 5 vote in favor of SJR 72.

“The court’s recent interpretation of the Blaine Amendment could have much broader implications, including threatening millions of dollars in state aid to hospitals, child care centers and schools catering to children with special needs. It’s time for the Blaine Amendment to be repealed from the Oklahoma Constitution. I appreciate Senator Standridge’s efforts to secure passage of SJR72 to allow Oklahomans to weigh in on this important issue.” 

SJR 72 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Senate passes Holt legislation to avoid future budget shortfalls

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The Senate has passed Senate Joint Resolution 44, authored by Sen. David Holt, by a vote of 46-1. The legislation, approved Monday, would give the people of Oklahoma the opportunity to measure the current 15 percent cap on the state’s Rainy Day Fund against the total state budget of approximately $24 billion. Currently, the Rainy Day Fund’s 15 percent cap is measured against the artificially smaller number of “general revenue fund certification” that was just $5.6 billion for the most recent budget, less than a quarter of the dollar amount actually spent by the state. The recent drop in energy prices has created a budget shortfall of $1.3 billion that far exceeds the maximum amount of approximately $850 million that the Rainy Day Fund could have held under the current cap.

“We’ve lived in an energy-based economy long enough to know these price drops are going to happen and we need to have a savings account that is adequate to the task,” said Holt, R-Oklahoma City. “Out of this current budget crisis, I can think of no greater gift we can give future generations than to put a savings plan in place that will give us the security we need to avoid future shortfalls like this. The lessons we’re learning in this crisis need to be applied today, while they are fresh. Putting an appropriate cap in place is the first step. The current cap is measured against a dollar amount that has no particular relevance, it provides a false sense of security, and it has utterly failed us.”

SJR 44 now proceeds to the House for consideration. Because the cap on the Rainy Day Fund is part of the Constitution, amending it requires a vote of the people. If SJR 44 passes the House, it would be placed on the November, 2016 ballot for consideration by the voters.

Editorial: To the Oklahoma State Legislature

Senator Dan Newberry,

I hope this contact finds you in good spirits. I am writing as a citizen of your district, a resident of the 74063, to request your vote AGAINST SB609's creation of a scholarship savings program that would in any way shape or form direct monies towards private schools that could and should otherwise be used for the improvement of our public education programs. 

Private schools should remain in the private sector. Parents already have the option to remove their child from public schooling, they should not however be allowed to remove funding from our public schools and redirect it to an entity that does not exist for the public. I do not get a refund for roads I don't drive on for the use of improving my private driveway. Neither should private schools be funded by public money that should be used for the good of the whole community. 

As a passionate supporter of our public education system, I will be unable to vote for any senator or representative who would seek to remove even a penny from our already dismal public education funding. With Oklahoma already near the bottom of the nation in per-pupil funding, it is absurd to consider removing money from a starving school system. 

I hope you will do what is right by our young people and continue to invest in their education. Oklahoma should be making every effort to improve our public schools, not throwing in the towel and giving up on them. 

I hope to see your name not just in opposition of this bill, but in favor of bills that will increase our public education funding, especially in terms of teacher pay. It's time to end the exodus of teachers to Texas and other neighboring states. It's time we establish competitive pay for our educators so that we may attract the best and brightest. It's time to acknowledge that our single greatest asset is our children and that our responsibility is to build for them a better future and give them the tools necessary to build one for themselves. ESA is not the answer and it does not represent the values of Oklahomans. 

Thank you for your service to our community and thank your for your time in reading this email. I trust we can count on you to make the right decisions for our children. Our community looks to you for leadership, please don't let us down. 

Respectfully,

Scott Emigh
Editor-in-Chief
www.SanditePride.com

Senate gives passing grade to legislation for unruly students

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation was approved late Wednesday to give local school boards an alternative to suspension and expulsion to keep unruly students in the classroom. Sen. Ron Sharp is the author of Senate Bill 911 to allow school boards to create a policy where teachers can assign community service for those students who misbehave rather than suspending or expelling them.

“Having been a teacher for 38 years, I know that suspension and expulsion only hurts a student further academically. It does nothing to address the child’s discipline problems and it typically puts the student further behind in their studies because they don’t do their work when they’re at home,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee. “We need to find an alternative that keeps students who misbehave in the classroom but still holds them accountable for their actions.  Community service is a great solution.”

Sharp worked with the Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE); the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); and the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) in drafting the legislation.
SB 911 would allow local boards of education to have the option of adopting a system that requires students to perform community service for violating the district’s behavioral policy.  
The measure passed 32-13 with those opposed raising concerns about students doing community service as a punishment. Sharp noted that good students who do not misbehave are required to do community service for many things.

“I was puzzled by some of the debate against this bill. Good, responsible students are required to do community service for the Boy/Girls Scouts and other community organizations as well as to apply for scholarships and other awards. Many do community service simply because they want to help others and be involved in their communities,” said Sharp. “I was disappointed in the debate suggesting that making unruly students do community service was somehow ‘child labor’ or a sign of ‘criminal behavior’.  Educators simply want an alternative to keep these students in the classroom while teaching them respect and to take responsibility for their actions. They’re obviously not learning how to follow the rules at home and when they’re adults if they don’t follow the rules, they’ll be facing more serious consequences than community service.”

The bill now moves to the House for further consideration. 

Senate approves tax refund donation for indigent veteran burials

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OKLAHOMA CITY – There are currently estimated to be over 300 homeless veterans in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association says that statewide they bury approximately 25 indigent veterans each year and absorb the costs of the funerals. On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously approved Senate 1134, by Sen. Frank Simpson, which would provide a funding mechanism for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs’ (ODVA) Indigent Veteran Burial Program. 

“Our veterans served our nation honorably, sacrificing of themselves to help others. The least we can do as a society is to ensure that they are honorably laid to rest with dignity,” said Simpson, R-Springer. “This bill will allow citizens and businesses to donate a portion or all of their income refund to this burial program to help our indigent veterans.”

Under SB 1134, each state individual income tax return form and each state corporate tax return form for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2016, would contain a provision to allow a donation from a tax refund for the benefit of ODVA’s Indigent Veteran Burial Program. A revolving fund would be created in the State Treasury for the program. 

The measure would also allow donations to be received from private individuals, veteran’s organizations, charitable groups and any other entities wishing to make donations directly to the fund.

The ODVA would be able to use the funds to reimburse cemeteries or funeral homes for costs associated with burying indigent veterans. 

SB 1134 is a companion bill to SB 398, which was introduced last session and is awaiting further consideration in the General Conference Committee on Appropriations. SB 398 seeks to create the Indigent Veteran Burial Program.

SB 1134 will next be heard in the House. 

Senate approves measure for statewide vote on modernizing Oklahoma beer and wine sales

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The full Senate has given approval to a measure allowing Oklahomans to decide whether to modernize state laws on beer and wine sales.  Senate Joint Resolution 68, by Sen. Clark Jolley and co-authored by Sen. Stephanie Bice, would let voters make the constitutional changes necessary to allow the sale of wine and strong beer in grocery stores. 

“This is the culmination of months of meetings with all the stakeholders.We’ve had a lot of hard conversations with everyone involved,” said Jolley, R-Edmond. “The very nature of most complex issues is that no one person or entity will get everything exactly the way they want it.  But Oklahomans from across the state are frustrated with outdated laws on beer and wine sales. Our goal is to make sure it is a comprehensive approach, addressing the changes needed in both the constitution and in the statutes.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman is also a co-author of SJR 68.

“This bill gives Oklahomans what they have sought for years: the opportunity to modernize our state’s alcohol laws and bring us in line with practically all other states. If approved by the voters, this measure introduces more options and choice for consumers and will spur growth and economic development in the industry. I appreciate Senators Jolley and Bice for their determined work in guiding this measure through the process.”

While SJR 68 would allow voters to make the constitutional changes necessary, Sen. Stephanie Bice is principal author of Senate Bill 383, co-authored by Jolley, which would make the statutory changes needed to modernize Oklahoma laws on beer and wine sales.

“Compromise does not come easily, but Oklahoma citizens have spoken loud and clear. They’re tired of living under laws they see as a throw-back to prohibition, something that ended in our state nearly 57 years ago—they want the same consumer choices people in most other states already enjoy,” said Bice, R- Oklahoma City. “Combined, SJR 68 and SB 383 will help us thoroughly address all the changes necessary to make sure that happens.”

SJR 68 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. 

Bill to create “guilty but with mental defect” verdict heads to House

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Tuesday, the Senate gave unanimous approval to a measure to modify the “not guilty by reason of insanity” (NGRI) defense in Oklahoma.  Sen. Ron Sharp said Senate Bill 1214 would add a “guilty but with mental defect” defense for those individuals who are found guilty with a mental illness but who also have an antisocial personality disorder. 

“The not guilty by reason of insanity defense was created for those who are not mentally capable of understanding their actions but now we have people who commit violent crimes trying to use this defense even when the crime was premeditated,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee.  “The law needs to be modified to take into account those who suffer from a mental illness but are still mentally capable of understanding their actions.  They need to be held accountable.”

SB 1214 would provide that anyone who has an antisocial personality disorder and is found guilty with a mental illness cannot use the NGRI plea and must complete the sentence for the crime.  The bill creates the guilty with mental defect and not guilty by reason of mental illness pleas.

Under the legislation, a plea of guilty with mental defect would result in the same sentence that could be imposed on another person convicted of the same crime.  Those found guilty with mental defect would be required to be examined by the state Department of Mental Health with a recommendation to be made within 45 days. 

The bill was requested by Pottawatomie County District Attorney, Richard Smothermon in response to the 2012 murder case involving Jerrod Murray.  Murray kidnapped fellow East Central University student, Generro Sanchez, and shot him multiple times.  Murray confessed, with no emotion or remorse, to the murder saying he just wanted to see what it felt like to kill someone.  He was charged with murder but, under Oklahoma law, found not guilty by reason of insanity.  He was then sentenced to imprisonment in the Oklahoma Forensic Center until such time that he is found to not be a danger to himself or others.

“This bill targets the most dangerous criminals who have mental illnesses but will never be cured by treatment; the ones that kill just to kill or hurt others because they get pleasure from it,” said Smothermon.  “This bill would allow a jury to send these criminals to prison rather than a mental hospital, which is where they deserve to be.”

Smothermon and Sanchez’ mother, Jeana West, were in the Senate gallery to listen to the debate on SB 1214.

The bill will now go to the House for further consideration. 

Senate approves National Guard conceal carry legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 913 Tuesday to ensure Oklahoma’s Army and Air National Guard personnel can protect themselves and others while on the job. The bill, by Sen. Frank Simpson, would allow such authorized veterans to carry loaded or unloaded concealed weapons at Oklahoma Military Department facilities.

“The threats against our brave military men and women don’t stop when they return home from active duty abroad. Our enemies desire to attack us here, and our Guard and military personnel are high-profile targets,” said Simpson, R-Springer. “We’ve seen all too often military personnel attacked at recruiting stations and even military bases and facilities. It makes sense for us to allow our Guard members, who are highly trained in the use of weaponry, to carry firearms so that they can protect themselves and others in emergency situations. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for unanimously supporting this measure.”

There have been eight attacks at military facilities across the nation since 2009. In July 2015, a terrorist killed four Marines and injured several others at a military recruiting center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Following that incident, Gov. Fallin issued an executive order in July to allow authorized military personnel to carry concealed weapons. SB 913 will make that executive order permanent in state statute. The Oklahoma National Guard Adjutant General will establish guidelines for the implementation of the legislation.

SB 913 now moves to the House for further consideration.

Senators Jolley and Bice respond to Oklahoma Retail Liquor Association’s filing of SQ 785

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Late Tuesday, the Oklahoma Retail Liquor Association (RLAO) filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Secretary of State that would place a question on the ballot in November to allow full-strength beer in grocery stores and convenience stores, but virtually eliminate grocery stores’ ability to obtain wine licenses.  In addition, wine would not be sold in convenience stores under their proposal.

“Unfortunately, SQ 785 doesn’t fully encompass the issues most important to consumers,” said Sen. Clark Jolley.  “With no provision for wine to be sold in convenience stores and substantial limits on licensing of grocery stores, this measure is exclusionary and protectionist.  By restricting a new wine license from being issued within 2500 feet of an existing liquor store, it virtually guarantees no metropolitan grocery stores would be allowed to carry wine, which is clearly something Oklahomans are demanding.”

“As legislators, our goal in modernizing the laws dealing with Oklahoma alcohol sales is to include all invested parties in the discussion, which is why we’re addressing the issue by working through the legislative process and not through a single voice at the table,” said Sen. Stephanie Bice.  “RLAO has been included in the modernization discussions, but doesn’t approve of the direction, so they have chosen to try and limit the options of Oklahomans.  We believe the two bills currently under consideration by the Legislature this session, SJR 68 and SB383, provide the best opportunity to establish true and meaningful reform.  To exclude one component such as the availability of wine in convenience stores and place limits on grocery stores undermines the modern, comprehensive approach we are committed to uphold through this process.”

Senator Clark Jolley and Senator Stephanie Bice are Republicans from Edmond.

Bill strengthening domestic violence law heads to full Senate

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A bill that could potentially save the lives of domestic violence victims has won approval by the Senate Appropriations Committee and is headed to the full Senate for a vote.  Senate Bill 1491, by Senator Bryce Marlatt said his legislation deals with how many prior convictions of domestic violence are required to establish a pattern of physical abuse.

“Under current law, an individual would have to be convicted of domestic violence three times in 12 months before the legal definition of a pattern of physical abuse is met,” said Marlatt, R-Woodward.  “But this is a crime that escalates. The potential for death increases exponentially with every incident.  That fourth time may be the last time it happens, because it could be a domestic homicide.  We need to do something to stop domestic violence offenders sooner, and that’s what my bill would do.”

Under Marlatt’s legislation, two convictions would establish a pattern of physical abuse, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.  As amended in committee, the legislation would remove the stipulation that the incidents must have taken place within the previous 12 months.

“The numbers show us this is a terrible problem. Oklahoma is ranked third in the nation for women killed by men in domestic violence situations.  One-third of all women murdered in our state are killed by their husbands.  Forty-one percent of all homicides in Oklahoma are linked to domestic violence,” Marlatt said.  “One third of all police time is spent responding to domestic violence calls.  Strengthening this law will help Oklahoma better address the crime of domestic violence.”

Sen. Holt’s “revenge porn” bill headed to Senate floor

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The full Senate Appropriations Committee has approved Senator David Holt’s legislation to make “revenge porn” against the law in Oklahoma.  Senate Bill 1257 will now advance to consideration on the Senate floor.  Approved Wednesday on a vote of 37 to 1, the measure criminalizes the dissemination of non-consensual pornography, sometimes known as “revenge porn.”  

“Non-consensual pornography is a destructive act that especially targets women, and it should be a crime,” said Holt, R-Oklahoma City. “Our statutes often don’t contemplate modern life, and this is one of those situations. I am grateful that so far my colleagues agree."

SB 1257 provides that a person commits a crime when they intentionally disseminate an image of another identifiable person who is engaged in a sexual act or is nude; they obtained the image under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to know that the image was private; and they knew or should have known that the dissemination was nonconsensual. It exempts disseminations related to law enforcement investigations or when the exposure or sexual act was committed in public or in a commercial setting. The first offense would be a misdemeanor and the second offense would be a felony.

SB 1257 must be considered on the Senate floor by March 10.

Sen. Mazzei issues statement on Finance Committee passage of SB 1073

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Sen. Mike Mazzei issued the following statement after Tuesday’s vote by the Senate Finance Committee approving SB 1073, a measure that would delay the reduction of the state income tax top rate from 5.25 to 5 percent and eliminates “double-dipping,” which is the itemized deduction for state and local taxes.

“Since 2004, when I first came to the Senate, we’ve reduced taxes by about $1.5 billion, thanks to a 25 percent drop in the top income tax rate, the elimination of estate taxes, the increase in the standard deduction, higher exemptions for retirement income, fewer companies subjected to the franchise tax, and the 100 percent exemption for military.

“The fact is the bench mark of $6.9 billion to lower the income tax rate from 5.25 to 5 percent was never actually achieved, because the trigger was based on the December certification, not the final certification in February the Legislature must use for writing the budget.  The General Revenue Fund is now more than $1 billion below the bench mark. Furthermore, you can’t continually decrease taxes and also increase special interest tax breaks—these have ballooned to $2 billion, making the current financial situation much worse.  It is unwise to lower the income tax rate in this environment.

“We are facing a shortfall of $1.3 billion.  If we don’t delay this reduction and adopt other reforms, education funding, which makes up some 50 percent of the budget, will have to be cut by approximately $400 million.  Other core services will also be slashed.  Ultimately everyone in the state will be negatively impacted.

“As a fiscal conservative, I would much rather delay a tax cut than vote to increase taxes and start new taxes,” –Senate Finance Chairman Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa.

Senate honors Cherokee Nation

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Oklahoma State Senate honors Cherokee Nation. (Left to right) Senate Minority Leader John Sparks, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, Victoria Vazquez, Deputy Speaker of the Tribal Council, Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Miss Cherokee Ja-Li-Si Pittman, Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Little Cherokee Ambassadors Nathan Lowrey, Max Purget, Maysi Fields, Logan Dreadfulwater, Kashyah Teehee and Jr. Miss Cherokee Madison Whitekiller listen as a Senate Citation honoring the Cherokee Nation is read in the Senate Chamber.

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Tuesday marked Cherokee Nation Day at the Capitol, and representatives of the tribe were honored on the floor of the Senate.  The Cherokee Nation is the largest federally recognized tribe in Oklahoma and in the United States.  Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman presented a Citation of Congratulations, co-authored by Minority Leader John Sparks, on behalf of the chamber.  Both Bingman and Sparks are citizens of the Cherokee Nation.

“The Cherokee Nation, its culture, and language, are all part of Oklahoma’s identity as a state—we’re partners and we value the cultural and economic contributions the Nation and its citizens make,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.  “It’s always a pleasure to welcome representatives of the tribe to the Oklahoma State Senate.”

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker asked all the Cherokees in the Chamber to stand, which included many guests in the visitors’ gallery as well as several senators on the floor who are also members of the tribe. 

"It's important for the Cherokee Nation to maintain our visibility and presence at the State Capitol, to better protect the interests of our sovereign nation. We are here today advocating for core services including education, health care and infrastructure enhancement," Baker said.

Other tribal officials welcomed to the floor included Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Tribal Council Deputy Speaker Victoria Vazquez, Miss Cherokee Ja-Li-Si Pittman, Jr. Miss Cherokee, Madison Whitekiller, and several youth ambassadors.

“The Cherokee Nation has thrived, culturally and economically, creating jobs and partnering with local cities for projects that benefit all Oklahomans,” said Sparks, D-Norman.  “It’s an honor to welcome Chief Baker and everyone to the Capitol and acknowledge the Cherokee Nation’s importance to our state’s past and our future.”

Sen. Kyle Loveless’ statement on the Personal Asset Protection Act

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“It is unfortunate the Personal Asset Protection Act was not given a fair hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Oklahomans of all walks of life and political ideologies support civil asset forfeiture reform. However, Chairman Sykes did not think their voice should count in the political process. I am disappointed but not discouraged.  I am resolute and will work to make sure real reforms are put in to place to protect the private property of Oklahomans.

“Our nation was founded to protect life, liberty and property equally and no chairman’s gavel can change that. Oklahoma’s current civil asset forfeiture laws are an affront to this principle. I ran for the state Senate to reduce government overreach and to stand up for everyday Oklahomans—I will continue this fight.

“Instead of hearing the Personal Asset Protection Act, the judiciary committee Tuesday took a modest step toward reform. SB 1113, which allows a citizen to receive attorney’s fees if they successfully contest a forfeiture, passed out of committee unanimously with no questions and no debate.

“However, this bill doesn’t go nearly far enough in correcting the major issues with Oklahoma’s civil asset forfeiture laws. The bill will still allow for private property to be forfeited without a criminal conviction, has no reporting or transparency requirements and will continue to allow law enforcement agencies to keep the proceeds from each forfeiture they perform. 

“Oklahomans understand law enforcement has a tough job, but also understand our liberties are at stake. I will continue to fight for those liberties and look forward to working with the bill’s author to create a system that protects Oklahomans’ rights and private property.”

Kyle D. Loveless is a conservative Republican from South Oklahoma City. 

Senate Education Committee approves bill to eliminate ‘End of Instruction’ exams

The Senate Education Committee has given unanimous, bipartisan support to legislation to eliminate state-mandated End of Instruction exams (EOIs).  Under current law, high school students must pass four of seven EOIs in order to graduate from high school, even if they received passing grades in all required classes. 

Senator John Ford chairs the Education Committee, and is the author of Senate Bill 1170 which was approved on Monday.  He said eliminating the EOIs will save millions of dollars, and will help address the concern voiced by teachers, parents and students of too many required tests.  Under SB 1170, it would be up to each school district to certify that graduating high school students had mastered the curriculum requirements.

“One of the biggest complaints has been that teachers don’t have time to focus on teaching the curriculum because they’ve had to prepare students for too many high stakes tests,” Ford said.  “By eliminating the EOI exams, teachers and students can focus on the classes. This also ensures greater local control for the districts.”

Ford, who represents Nowata, Rogers and Washington Counties, said the State Board of Education would work with Higher Education and CareerTech to publish a list of approved assessments that would comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act and measure mastery of the state’s subject matter standards.  The state would pay for the exams. 

“Each district would choose which of those exams students would take by the end of their senior year.  It could be something like the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, SAT, or the ACT, something most students already take, but currently, parents must pay for,” Ford said.  “This will save parents money, but because these standardized tests are much less expensive than developing exams specifically for just Oklahoma, taxpayers will also see a significant savings.”

The legislation now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

“American Ninja Warrior” coming to Oklahoma State Capitol

Sen. David Holt, the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gov. Mary Fallin, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, and House Speaker Jeff Hickman announced today that “American Ninja Warrior” is coming to Oklahoma for the first time and will shoot on the south plaza of the Oklahoma State Capitol.

The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services has approved a request by the producers of the hit NBC television show to shoot at the Capitol from May 6 to 17. The approval of the application represents the culmination of a months-long recruiting effort led by the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, with critical support from Holt, Fallin, Bingman, Hickman, Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, the Film and Music Office, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, and the Department of Public Safety.

“American Ninja Warrior” is an obstacle course competition show that is entering its eighth season on NBC with rebroadcasts on the Esquire Network. It is one of the highest-rated family shows on television. As part of its format, different cities each season serve as hosts for “city finals.” Oklahoma has never been the site of a “city final.” Serving as a host city leads to a direct economic impact from the influx of crew members, participants and fans. It leads to an indirect economic impact through the positive exposure for the city and state throughout the “American Ninja Warrior” season. In this unique instance, the shoot will also highlight Oklahoma’s State Capitol as it undergoes renovations and prepares for its centennial.

“It’s exciting that Oklahoma, and especially our state Capitol, will be showcased on ‘American Ninja Warrior,’” Fallin said. “This will allow viewers to get a glimpse of all the impressive things that are going on in Oklahoma City.”

“I think this is great. ’American Ninja Warrior’ is a popular, long-running prime-time show on a major network. It’s fun to watch,” Bingman said. “I think it’s very positive for Oklahoma and we’re looking forward to having the show here at the Capitol."

"We have been working to preserve our beautiful Capitol building which is a treasured gift from previous generation of Oklahomans,” Hickman said. “This national focus on our state, our capital city and the Capitol building will introduce millions more Americans to this special place we call Oklahoma."

“We are so excited and honored to be selected as an ‘American Ninja Warrior’ city for season eight,” said Sue Hollenbeck, Director of Sports Business for the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.  “Having a national TV shoot in Oklahoma City is not only a significant economic impact, but this is a great opportunity to show off our amazing state and specifically, our beautiful Capitol building. We are looking forward to working with the incredible production company and NBC to make this the best ‘American Ninja Warrior’ yet!”

“This past summer, my kids were obsessed with ‘American Ninja Warrior’, and I wondered at the time how we might someday get it to Oklahoma,” Holt said.   “Little did I know that the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau was already hard at work.   When they came to me last year seeking assistance at the Capitol, I was thrilled to help, and I commend all the state leaders and entities that also rose to the occasion.   The arrival of ‘American Ninja Warrior’ will present a fantastic opportunity to highlight our city, our state, and our Capitol.”